Erosion Management Research Articles

Analyzing of Water Quality Management using SPSS Method

In order to maintain water quality, it is typically essential to authorise the release of hazardous compounds, for which surface water waste discharge must be monitored. To make sure that the water is safe to consume for people, animals, and other marine life, it is crucial to monitor water quality. It's crucial for ports to measure water quality in order to comprehend environmental effects and protect marine life. Non-point resource pollution, streams of pollution both direct and indirect, management of watersheds, erosion, and sediments, non-point sources of pollution, and integrated management of water resources,contamination of groundwater and waste water management. Depending on whether or not the water is suitable for drinking or swimming, water quality refers to the state of the water, including its chemical, physical, and biological characteristics. The quality of water can be assessed by taking groundwater samples to undergo lab analysis or by utilising probes that can continuously or intermittently record data. Information on water quality is used by the water sector to manage water resources. Understanding what is happening beneath, where and how quickly water is moving, which geochemical processes are taking place, and recognising distinct sources of water are all made easier by the quality of the water. The necessity to upgrade civilization's plumbing has an impact on water quality as well. One of the natural resources that is present in appropriate amounts is water. It is a crucial component of life on Earth. It is frequently used for drinking, cleaning, cooking, bathing, irrigation, and other residential and commercial purposes. For water utilities dealing with rising energy costs, a lack of water supplies, and strict regulatory requirements, water as well as energy resources are crucial.Early in the 1990s, the idea of an interwoven Water and Energy Quality Management Software (EWQMS) was established as a framework for operational optimization for simultaneously addressing issues with water quality, water supply, and energy management. In order to build an EWQMS, about twenty water utilities interfaced existing control systems with external or internal software optimization packages. Due to increased utilisation of cheaper tariff times and improved operating efficiencies, utilities with an installed EWQMS have reported operating cost savings of 8e15%, which has resulted in a decrease in energy consumption of 6e9%. This paper presents the current state of understanding on the usual structural features and operational tactics of EWQMS, and both advantages and disadvantages are considered. The analysis also identifies the gaping holes that should spur new research initiatives and outlines the difficulties faced during the installation and deployment of EWQMS. Ratio studies are statistical analyses of data from appraisals and property valuations. Nearly all states utilize them to produce quantitative measure of the proportion of current market price about which individually estimated taxable property is appraised as well as to offer assessment performance indicators. Energy and water quality management, system, Water utilities, Energy efficiency, Water quality and Demand forecasting. The Cronbach's Alpha Reliability result. The overall Cronbach's Alpha value for the model is .658 which indicates 66% reliability. From the literature review, the above 50% Cronbach's Alpha value model can be considered for analysis. Characteristics of sisal fiber the Cronbach's Alpha Reliability result. The overall Cronbach's Alpha value for the model is .658 which indicates 66% reliability. From the literature review, the above 50% Cronbach's Alpha value model can be considered for analysis.

연안침식 관리책임에 관한 법적 고찰

Today, the coast is recognized as an essential space for national welfare. That's because the coast provides important ecological habitats and natural resources, and at the same time half of the population provides ports, harbors and bases for several industries. Recently, the coastal erosion is becoming national issue nationwide.
 Coastal erosion can be caused by both natural and artificial causes. The main natural causes of coastal erosion were the influence of waves, currents, wind etc., and in recent years, erosion has been intensified due to sea level rise and wave changes caused by climate change. On the other hand, artificial causes include coastal drift blocking, wave shielding area, revetment, windbreak forest, and sea sand collection etc.
 Coastal erosion management is based on Article 23, Paragraph 1, Article 34, Paragraph 6, Article 35, Paragraph 1, and Article 120, Paragraph 2 of the Constitution. The legal grounds for coastal erosion management include the Coastal Management Act, the National Land Planning and Utilization Act, the Countermeasures Against Natural Disasters Act, Public Waters Management And Reclamation Act, the Building Act, the Erosion Control Work Act, and the Island Development Promotion Act etc.
 Measures to fulfill administrative responsibility (legal relief) for coastal erosion under the current law are based on the Article 2(State’s negligence liability) of the State Compensation Act , Article 5(liability for structures) of State Compensation Act, compensation for losses, Article 758(Responsibility for installation or maintenance of structures) of Civil Act.
 In order to make administrative responsibility for coastal erosion more practical, it is necessary to legislate no-fault liability for those who cause coastal erosion, legalize responsibility for preventing coastal erosion in advance, and legislate compensation for losses caused by acts that cause coastal erosion in managed areas.
 First, it is necessary to legislate no-fault liability for those responsible for coastal erosion. In order to prevent environmental harm by realizing no-fault liability for coastal erosion damage and promptly healing coastal erosion, it is necessary to identify the person responsible for coastal erosion and secure the fulfillment of responsibility.
 Second, it is necessary to legislate the responsibility for preventing coastal erosion in advance. Risks from coastal erosion include both identified and potential risks. Even if the risk of coastal erosion is uncertain, it needs to be understood as a concept that includes the principle of forethought, which states that if the damage caused by the hazard is serious and irreversible, precautionary measures can be taken to prevent or reduce the hazard even before the hazard becomes certain.
 Third, it is necessary to legalize compensation for losses caused by acts that cause coastal erosion in managed areas. The loss compensation provisions of the current Coastal Management Act mean compensation for loss due to access to land, etc. This is not directly related to damage caused by coastal erosion. It is necessary to establish a legal basis for receiving compensation for losses caused by acts causing coastal erosion in the management area under Article 20-2, paragraphs 1 and 2.

Watershed prioritization and hydro-morphometric analysis for the potential development of Tabuk Basin, Saudi Arabia using multivariate statistical analysis and coupled RS-GIS approach

The Tabuk province of Saudi Arabia (SA) has an arid zone, few aquifers, high groundwater salinity (seawater intrusion), and accelerated population, industrial, and agricultural development. The development of Tabuk Basin is essential for the addition of new freshwater resources and the enhancement of aquifer recharge potential. The hydrological characteristics of the drainage basin aid in the identification of watersheds, enabling the protection and management of land erosion and ground/surface water resources. This study analyzed hydro-morphometric data from the eighteen sub-basins of the Tabuk Basin using multivariate statistical approaches and coupled remote sensing (RS) and geographic information systems (GIS) for water priority determination. The results show that the four principal components(PC1-4) have a variance of90.4% concerningbifurcation ratio (Rb), ruggedness number (Rn), elongation ratio (Re), drainage density (Dd), basin relief (Bh), circularity ratio (Rc), and relief ratio (Rh). The Al Ula, Thaibah, Hamd, Dama, Al Wajh, Al Ghamra, and Azlam sub-basins showed the highest priority, indicating soil erosion and the necessity for mitigating measures to reduce infrastructure damage. Mostexposed geology (67%) exhibited strong permeability and good infiltration (sedimentary cover and Quaternary sediments). The rest(23%) showed low to medium permeability(igneous, metamorphic, and carbonate rocks). The bestpromisingsitesfor building new wells can reduce surface runoff and soil erosion through aquifer infiltration and abstraction. The aquifer potentiality map was accomplished for Al Ula, Thaibah, Hamd, and Dama drainage basins. The most prospective groundwater investigation regions were identified, coincidingwith the drilled wells that confirmed and validated the results. The estimated zones of high to very high aquifer potentiality were used to add additional wells for investment reduce soil erosion, mitigate alternatives, agriculture,urbanization, etc. The other sub-basins have a medium to low priority, with less soil erosion and aquifer recharge.

Saltmarsh vegetation alters tidal hydrodynamics of small estuaries

Saltmarshes in most estuaries in the UK and elsewhere are heavily exploited for numerous purposes including farming, fishing, and recreation. In this study, a computational model was used to investigate the impact of saltmarsh vegetation on tidal dynamics and residual currents in three distinctly different estuaries in Wales, UK, in order to understand the impacts of marsh vegetation on wider estuarine hydrodynamics. The three estuaries, Mawddach, Taf and Loughor, vary in size, tidal range, exposure, and saltmarsh coverage. Tidal constituents and residual currents were calculated using a year-long simulation of tidal dynamics. Tidal dynamics are discussed in terms of five important primary tidal constituents (M2, S2, N2, K1, O1) and two shallow water constituents (M4, MS4). The results reveal that saltmarsh vegetation reduces the amplitude of both primary and shallow water tidal constituents not only on and at the proximity of marsh platforms but also in the wider estuary, mostly confined to tidal channels and surrounding intertidal areas. Most notable changes were observed in the middle and upper estuary. Notable changes to residual current velocities were observed on marsh flat areas and in tidal channels and saltmarsh creeks which indicates that changes to marsh vegetation have the potential to alter sediment transport and hence wider estuary hydrodynamics. Our results will be useful when making decisions to restore, reclaim and realign existing saltmarshes for environmental, conservation and socioeconomic purposes, or integrate them in nature-based solutions for estuarine flood and erosion management.

Variations of Runoff-Sediment Processes at Flood Event Scale at a Typical Catchment in the Loess Plateau of China

The flood season is the main period for runoff and sediment yield, and understanding the variations of runoff and sediment of flood events is of great significance for distinguishing the runoff-sediment processes in the Loess Plateau. In this study, we analyzed the variations of runoff and sediment at the flood event scale in the Qiaogou catchment and investigated the influencing factors. The results showed that runoff and sediment of flood events were mainly produced by rainfall with short rainfall duration and heavy rainfall intensity in the study area. Based on the 28 flood events and corresponding precipitation data from the reference period (P-I, 1986–1989) and the revegetation period (P-II, 2001–2009), we analyzed the variations of runoff-sediment processes at the flood event scale in the Qiaogou catchment, a typical catchment of the Loess Plateau. The results showed that the flood variables were lower in the revegetation period than those in the reference period, except for the flood peak discharge time and the flood duration. The sediment transport capacity per unit runoff depth in the revegetation period was weaker than that in the reference period. The hysteresis analysis indicated that the patterns of the hysteretic loop were dominated by the figure-of-eight pattern and the compound pattern, respectively, in the reference period and revegetation period. Compared to the reference period, runoff and sediment-related variables for flood events of counter-clockwise, figure-of-eight, and compound patterns were less in the revegetation period. With similar rainfall conditions, the main reason for the noticeable difference in runoff and sediment of flood events for the two periods was the variations in vegetation cover. The mentioned results indicated that revegetation performed a critical function in the variations of runoff and sediment at the flood event scale. This study revealed the variations of runoff-sediment processes of flood events and their responses to rainfall and revegetation in a typical catchment of the Loess Plateau, which can provide a basis for decision-making on soil erosion management and sustainable development of the ecological environment in the Loess Plateau.

Assessment of Integrated Soil and Water Conservation Practices on Soil Erosion Risk in a Typical Red-Beds Watershed in South China

Soil erosion is the primary factor inducing soil deterioration in large river basins. Management and conservation of the soil erosion of the red bed desert, a unique gully landform shaped by intensive weathering and hydraulic erosion under the humid climate in south-eastern China, is crucial for its long-term sustainable development. This study, focusing on the Nanxiong Basin, a representative area with red beds, applied Gaofen(Gf)-2 satellite images to the RUSLE Model to analyze soil erosion modulus before and after implementing treatment for soil erosion control. We qualified the volume of soil erosion and mapped the spatial erosion variability in the basin. The results exhibited a decrease in the average erosion modulus from 3943.56 t·km−2·yr−1 to 2023.1 t·km−2·yr−1, which caused a reduction in total soil loss from 4.64 million tons to 2.38 million tons after treatment, with a reduction of about 48.7%. The mitigation reduced soil erosion from a moderate level to a light level. The areas that integrated soil and water conservation practices (SWCP) with management measures showed evident improvement in soil erosion, with a dramatic reduction in areas with annual erosion of a strong level (5000~8000 t·km−2·yr−1), extremely strong level (8000~15,000 t·km−2·yr−1), and severe level (>15,000 t·km−2·yr−1). Despite spatial heterogeneity in soil erosion intensity in the basin, this study demonstrates the great performance of SWCP in mitigating red bed degradation. The study provides a solid scientific basis for soil erosion control using ecological engineering in the Nanxiong Basin. It can also serve as an illustrative case study for further applications on soil erosion assessment in similar small basins.

Identification of priority areas for soil erosion control based on minimum administrative units and karst landforms in karst areas of Guizhou

Soil erosion is one of the most serious ecological threats in karst areas of Southwest China. The identification of priority areas for remediation and its driving factors is essential to improving the efficiency of prevention and control. The present study systematically considered natural and socio-economic factors not involved in the revised universal soil loss equation (RUSLE) model, and determined priority areas for soil erosion management based on minimum administrative units and karst landforms. Then, the driving factors were identified by using geographic detector. The results showed that the priority areas were mainly concentrated in the southwest, southeast and northeast, overlapping with the severely eroded areas (Erosion rate=45.79 t·ha−1·a−1). Gradient risk zones had geomorphological differences, but the most eroded zones were all controlled by bedrock exposure rates, elevation, or slope position. The spatial correlation and high erosion rate of priority areas provided opportunities to optimize the efficiency and cost of control. Driving factors were affected by karst landforms. The explanation power of slope position on soil erosion was higher in the peak cluster depressions and karst basins with small undulations ([Formula: see text]), while the karst gorges, trough valleys and plateaus with large undulations gradually decreased ([Formula: see text]). The interaction of driving factors will enhance the explanatory power for soil erosion. Among them, the repetition rate of elevation was 60%, and the repetition rate of lithology and development index was 40%. This study provides useful information for identifying and managing priority areas for soil erosion control, and enriches the theory of soil and water conservation in karst areas.

Polyphenols for preventing dental erosion in pre-clinical studies with in situ designs and simulated acid attack.

Dental erosion is a chemical process characterized by acid dissolution of dental hard tissue, and its etiology is multifactorial. Dietary polyphenols can be a strategy for dental erosion management, collaborating to preserve dental tissues through resistance to biodegradation. This study describes a comprehensive review to interpret the effects of polyphenols on dental erosion of pre-clinical models with in situ designs and simulated acid attacks on enamel and dentin samples. We aim to evaluate evidence about polyphenols' effects in the type of dental substrate, parameters of erosive cycling chosen in the in situ models, and the possible mechanisms involved. An evidence-based literature review was conducted using appropriate search strategies developed for main electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, LILACS, EMBASE, LIVIVO, CINAHL, and DOSS) and Grey literature (Google Scholar). The Joanna Briggs Institute checklist was used to evaluate the quality of the evidence. From a total of 1900 articles, 8 were selected for evidence synthesis, including 224 specimens treated with polyphenols and 224 control samples. Considering the studies included in this review, it could observe that polyphenols tend to promote a reduction in erosive and abrasive wear compared to control groups. But, as the few studies included have a high risk of bias with different methodologies, and the estimated effect size is low, this conclusion should not be extrapolated to clinical reality.

Contribution and behavioral assessment of physical and anthropogenic factors for soil erosion using integrated deep learning and game theory

Ensuring sustainable management of soil erosion is of utmost importance to prevent its adverse effects. Unfortunately, this issue has received limited attention in the past, therefore, a comprehensive study was undertaken to identify key indicators for soil erosion and develop an Ensemble Deep Neural Network (EDNN) model for predicting soil erosion probability (SEP) zones in the Guwahati urban watershed. To conduct this study, Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) was employed to estimate potential soil loss (PSL). The study identified 17 physical and landscape parameters as priority factors for soil erosion initiation based on the PSL. These priority variables were analyzed using three hyper-tuned models i.e., Gradient Boosting Machine (GBM), Random Forest (RF), and Deep Neural Network (DNN) within the H2O framework. Furthermore, the study developed EDNN and hyper-tuned DNN models to predict SEP and analyzed the behavior of priority variables in high and low soil erosion probability zones using DNN-based game theory. The findings indicated that the study area experiences soil loss ranging from 140 to 181 tonnes/ha/year. Rainfall, Ff, Dd, slope, and elevation identified as the most critical factors influencing soil erosion. The EDNN model successfully predicted very high and high SEP zones, covering 172.13 km2 and 22.60 km2 respectively. Further, the result shows that high values of drainage density, cohesion, TWI, LULC, and rainfall contribute to significant soil erosion, while low values of slope, SHDI, ED, and Ff act as preventive factors. The study offers valuable insights into the construction of an EDNN model and the integration of deep learning with game theory for robust and scientific soil erosion modeling. The analysis of behavior of the priority parameters provides a novel approach for understanding the impact of individual parameter samples on soil erosion, facilitating the development of effective prevention strategies.

Effects of soil conservation on the spatial heterogeneity of vegetation carbon sequestration in the Yellow River Basin, China

AbstractAn improved understanding of the potential controls on vegetation carbon sequestration (VCS) is essential for the prediction of VCS in response to global change. Ecosystem restoration can provide remarkable contributions to VCS. However, attention to the impact of soil conservation (SC) on VCS is lacking. Therefore, the Yellow River Basin, a typical area of soil erosion in the world, was chosen as the study area. The VCS and SC trends from 2000 to 2020 were analyzed and the potential response of VCS to SC was explored by adopting correlation analysis, elastic coefficient method, geographically weighted regression model, and geographical detector model. The influence of SC drivers on the spatial heterogeneity of VCS was also revealed. Results showed the following: (1) VCS and SC had a significant upward trend, especially in the eastern monsoonal ecoregion. (2) The area with a significant positive correlation between VCS and SC accounted for 31.74% of the total, mainly concentrated in the key areas of SC, wherein a 100% increase in SC would lead to a 25%–100% increase in VCS. (3) Among the SC drivers, vegetation cover and management (C) factor and rainfall erosion force (R) factor mainly influenced spatial heterogeneity in VCS, and their interaction considerably enhances this effect. Therefore, the interaction between precipitation and vegetation should be considered when evaluating the impact of water erosion management on VCS. The results of the study have important implications for the enhancement of VCS capacity of degraded land in the ecological restoration process.

An artificial intelligence-based assessment of soil erosion probability indices and contributing factors in the Abha-Khamis watershed, Saudi Arabia

Soil erosion is a major problem in arid regions, including the Abha-Khamis watershed in Saudi Arabia. This research aimed to identify the soil erosional probability using various soil erodibility indices, including clay ratio (CR), modified clay ratio (MCR), Critical Level of Soil Organic Matter (CLOM), and principle component analysis based soil erodibility index (SEI). To achieve these objectives, the study used t-tests and an artificial neural network (ANN) model to identify the best SEI model for soil erosion management. The performance of the models were then evaluated using R2, Root Mean Squared Error (RMSE), Mean Squared Error (MSE), and Mean Absolute Error (MAE), with CLOM identified as the best model for predicting soil erodibility. Additionally, the study used Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) values to identify influential parameters for soil erosion, including sand, clay, silt, soil organic carbon (SOC), moisture, and void ratio. This information can help to develop management strategies oriented to these parameters, which will help prevent soil erosion. The research showed notable distinctions between CR and CLOM, where the 25–27% contribution explained over 89% of the overall diversity. The MCR indicated that 70% of the study area had low erodibility, while 20% had moderate and 10% had high erodibility. CLOM showed a range from low to high erodibility, with 40% of soil showing low CLOM, 40% moderate, and 20% high. Based on the T-test results, CR is significantly different from CLOM, MCR, and principal component analysis (PCA), while CLOM is significantly different from MCR and PCA, and MCR is significantly different from PCA. The ANN implementation demonstrated that the CLOM model had the highest accuracy (R2 of 0.95 for training and 0.92 for testing) for predicting soil erodibility, with SOC, sand, moisture, and void ratio being the most important variables. The SHAP analysis confirmed the importance of these variables for each of the four ANN models. This research provides valuable information for soil erosion management in arid regions. The identification of soil erosional probability and influential parameters will help to develop effective management strategies to prevent soil erosion and promote agricultural production. This research can be used by policymakers and stakeholders to make informed decisions to manage and prevent soil erosion.

Mapping soil erodibility over India

Soil erosion is a major environmental problem worldwide, and almost half of India’s total geographical area is susceptible to it. The Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE) has been widely used globally to estimate soil erosion, and the Soil erodibility factor, denoted by the K-factor, is an essential component of RUSLE. Although previous studies have assessed soil erodibility in India, they have been limited to small scales such as watersheds or districts. A national-scale assessment of soil erodibility doesn’t exist and is critical to developing a systematic understanding of soil erosion over India. In this study, we estimated soil erodibility factors over India using RUSLE Nomograph and Environmental Policy Integrated Climate (EPIC) model approaches at a high resolution of 250 m. Our results showed that the K-factor estimated using the Nomograph approach was more accurate than the observed soil erodibility factors. Additionally, we developed erodibility indices such as CR (Clay Ratio), MCR (Modified Clay Ratio), and CLOM (Critical Level of Organic Matter) to assess their sensitivity with respect to soil erodibility factors. Finally, we created a susceptibility to erosion map over India using CLOM index classification. The national average soil erodibility factor for India is estimated to be 0.028 t-ha-h/ha/MJ/mm. Histosols soil type is the least susceptible to erosion, while the Xerosols soil type is most susceptible among the prevalent soil classes in India. This is the first national-scale mapping of soil erodibility over India, providing an essential asset for soil conservation and erosion management planning by experts.

Creeper legume, in conjunction with biochar, is a potential tool to minimize soil erosion

AbstractAccelerated soil erosion and landslides are destructive consequences of road development and intensive agriculture in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. Properly designed vegetation covers can play a vital role in erosion control. Identifying a plant that can adapt to eroded land with a low‐nutrient supply is critical for natural erosion management. A perennial creeper legume, Vigna marina, adaptable for marginal lands and used to control soil erosion in Australia, was introduced to Sri Lanka via the 2004 tsunami. The objective of this study was to assess V. marina under five different soil substrates, including a reference treatment (RT) recommended for optimal legume growth and subsoil (SS) and decomposing parent materials (DPM) without or with 20% Pinus wood biochar (SSb, DPMb). The growth parameters of V. marina were in the order RT > SSb = DPMb > SS = DPM. Following V. marina growth, nitrogen (N) content in DPM and DPMb increased from non‐detectable to 1.83 and 0.99 mg g−1, respectively. The SSb and SS recorded an increase in N by 1.38 and 0.77 mg g−1, respectively. The RT lost soil N by 3.31 mg g−1. Compared to the RT, root nodules were 3× in SSb and DPMb, 2× in SS, and >2× in DPM. Amending SS and DPM with biochar enhanced the growth of V. marina. The V. marina, in conjunction with biochar, can be an effective tool to provide vegetative cover to exposed soils and, thus, minimize soil erosion on road cuts and other land resources.

Predicting Soil Saturated Water Conductivity Using Pedo-Transfer Functions for Rocky Mountain Forests in Northern China

Soil physicochemical properties and macropore spatial structure affect saturated hydraulic conductivity (Ks). However, due to regional differences and long measurement time, Ks is tedious to quantify. Therefore, it is of great importance to find simplified but robust methods to predict Ks. One possibility is to use pedo-transfer functions (PTFs). Along this line, stratified sampling was carried out in six typical forestlands in the rocky mountain area of Northern China. Penetration experiments and industrial CT scanning were combined to explore the distribution characteristics of regional Ks and its influencing factors. Based on this, we compared three Ks PTF models by multiple linear regression for Ks prediction. The results indicated that: (1) Ks decreased with increasing soil depth, which followed the order coniferous forest < broad-leaved forest < mixed forest, and the change range of mixed forest was greater than that of homogeneous forest. (2) Soil bulk density, water content, sand, silt, organic matter, total nitrogen, total phosphorus, and total potassium were significantly correlated with Ks (p < 0.05). In addition, stand type and soil depth had a certain impact on soil physicochemical properties that affected Ks. (3) Soil macropore structure, such as number density, length density, surface area density, and volume density, all decreased with increasing soil depth. They were all significantly positively correlated with Ks (p < 0.001). (4) The best predictability and universality for PTFs was achieved for PTFs containing bulk density, organic matter content, and total phosphorus. Only PTFs containing parameters of macropore spatial structure did not yield high predictability of Ks. The findings of this study contribute to the understanding of forest hydrological infiltration processes in rocky mountain forests in Northern China, and provide theoretical support for the prediction and management of water loss and soil erosion and the enhancement of water conservation functions.

Interrelation between factors controlling sediment yield in the largest catchment of Peninsular India

The catchment area of the Godavari in Peninsular India shows complex heterogeneous morphologic, climatic, and geological settings. Although the sub-basins of the Godavari indicate a great spatial variation in sediment yield, the role of such morpho-climatic heterogeneity in the sediment yield variation is poorly understood. This study aims to analyze the role of geomorphology, lithology, precipitation, and land use on spatial sediment yield variation in the Godavari basin. Using digital topography data, with the aid of a Geographical Information System (GIS), we delineated 25 sub-basins based on gauging station locations and showed a wide variation of sediment yield, ranging from 28 to 3404 t km−2 yr−1. Several geomorphic attributes were found to be co-dependent; then, we utilized the partial least-square regression (PLSR) technique to recognize the relationship between controlling factors with sediment yield and established a predictive model. Furthermore, we quantitatively determined the most important first-order controlling factors using variable importance for the projection (VIP) method. The results of PLSR and VIP revealed that among 20 geomorphic variables, plan curvature (VIP = 1.61), profile curvature (1.61), LS factor (VIP = 1.51), topographic ruggedness index (VIP = 1.51), slope (VIP = 1.51), topographic wetness index (VIP = 1.29), and steepness index (VIP = 1.06) exert first-order control in sediment yield variation. Moreover, Mesozoic and Precambrian rocks in agricultural, forested, and bare-ground environments collectively play a crucial role under the influence of differential rainfall patterns in the spatial variation of sediment yield as indicated by VIP values higher than 1. Our optimal PLSR model explained 62% of the total variance in average sediment yield with a moderate predictive ability value (Q2 = 0.46). The insights obtained from the results of this study can be utilized for basin-specific erosion and hydrological modeling in a similar environment. Moreover, this study can be helpful to planners and policymakers for better erosion management and soil–water conservation measures in the Godavari basin.

Re-assembling land degradation: toward a nature-society-inclusive soil erosion management strategy. A case of the Rwenzori region, Uganda

Tackling land degradation, particularly soil erosion, remains a challenge due to the gap between science, policy, and practice which hampers the adoption of control measures by farmers. Bridging this gap requires understanding land degradation as an assemblage of the natural/biophysical and anthropogenic aspects; but also, rethinking epistemologies that level the grounds between scientists, policymakers, and farmers whose farm livelihoods are at-risk due to soil erosion. This study aimed to clarify how these requirements can be met through the lens of the recently proposed hylomorphic framework. This framework structures, in three steps, the procedure of bridging real-life experiences of farmers at risk of soil erosion with the knowledge of scientists and policymakers through the embracement of diversity in ontological realities and values, self-critiques, and coalescing overlaps in theorizations. We selected a qualitative design as most appropriate using one of the cases—the Rwenzori region—where soil erosion is high. We conducted nine focus group discussions with participants selected purposefully from three stakeholder groups including scientists, policymakers, and farmers. Following the hylomorphic framework procedure, we carried out the content analysis. Drawing on insights from this study, we elaborate on how the hylomorphic framework supports deconstructing land degradation and soil erosion, and also further offers insights into a more nature-society-inclusive soil erosion management strategy.

Assessment and management of coastal erosion in the marine protected area of the Rosario Island archipelago (Colombian Caribbean)

By utilizing historical satellite image databases, it was possible to assess the rates of coastal retreat in the Grande, Rosario, and Tesoro Islands from 2010 to 2021, due to the influence of climatic variables. It was discovered that the three islands have lost 0.4%, 1.6%, and 9.3% of their landmass, respectively. The notable increase in sea level rise, which has risen 6.2 mm/year since 2010, has emerged as the primary driving factor in the magnitude of erosion by altering the wave transformation patterns in shallow waters. This enables the wave trains to maintain more energy and intensify their height in surf zones, particularly during the dry season, where the wave height has increased by 12%. At the same time, the intensity of longitudinal currents has increased due to the new wave dynamics, leading to changes in the coastlines. Areas characterized by a coastal geomorphology of terraces and beaches, such as Tesoro Island, were found to be the most affected, unlike the cliffs of Grande and Rosario Islands. The study also revealed a lack of policies and concrete actions aimed at mitigating erosion in the coral islands of the Colombian Caribbean. Thus, a set of guidelines is proposed as a starting point to address this issue.

Managing erosion and deposition to stabilize a silt-laden river

Human regulations are involved in the hydrogeomorphic processes of silt-laden rivers with unprecedented intensity, and further, affect the structures and functions of the riverine social-ecosystem. The braided reach (BR) of the lower Yellow River is one of the world's most sediment-rich and dynamic rivers. In the recent twenty years, the Xiaolangdi Reservoir constructed upstream and the growing river training works have deeply changed the conditions of the BR, however, the behaviors of the fluvial system under multiple human influences and their mechanisms remain unexplored. Here we systematically analyze the changes in the BR in the past four decades from the view of a coupled human and natural system. We find that compared with the pre-dam period, the channel of the BR in the post-dam period is 60 % narrower and 122 % deeper. Meanwhile, the lateral erosion rate and lateral accretion rate have decreased by 164 m yr−1 and 236 m yr−1, and the flood transport capacity has increased by nearly 79 %. These changes were mainly caused by anthropic flow regime changes and boundary modifications, whose relative contributions were 71 ± 10 % and 29 ± 10 %, respectively. The interactions among channel morphology change, regional flood risk and human activities underpinned the evolution of the fluvial system by shifting the human-river relationship. Reach-scale stabilization of a silt-laden river needs the effective management of erosion and deposition processes, which calls for integrated management of soil conservation, dam regulation, and floodplain governance at a basin scale. Lessons from the lower Yellow River have important implications for other rivers faced with siltation problems, especially in the Global South.

Study on Soil Erosion Driving Forces by Using (R)USLE Framework and Machine Learning: A Case Study in Southwest China

Soil erosion often leads to land degradation, agricultural production reduction, and environmental deterioration, which seriously restricts the sustainable development of regions. Clarifying the driving factors of soil erosion is the premise of preventing soil erosion. Given the lack of current research on the driving factors/force changes of soil erosion in different regions or under different erosion intensity grades, this paper pioneered to use machine learning methods to address this problem. Firstly, the widely used (Revised) Universal Soil Loss Equation ((R)USLE) framework was applied to simulate the spatial distribution of soil erosion. Then, the K-fold algorithm was used to evaluate the accuracy and stability of five machine learning algorithms for fitting soil erosion. The random forest (RF) method performed best, with average accuracy reaching 86.35%. Then, the Permutation Importance (PI) and the Partial Dependence Plot (PDP) methods based on RF were introduced to quantitatively analyze the main driving factors under different geological conditions and the driving force changes of each factor under different erosion intensity grades, respectively. Results showed that the main drivers of soil erosion in Chongqing and Guizhou were cover management factors (PI: 0.4672, 0.4788), while that in Sichuan was slope length and slope factor (PI: 0.6165). Under different erosion intensity grades, the driving force of each factor shows nonlinear and complex inhibitory or promoting effects with factor value changing. These findings can provide scientific guidance for the refined management of soil erosion, which is significant for halting or reversing land degradation and achieving sustainable use of land resources.

Eruditing from indigenous adaptation strategies for resilient and sustainable coastal erosion management in southeastern Ghana

Ghana is witnessing an increase in the construction of coastal flood defence walls on its coast but the effects of the coastal defence on people have not been well documented. This paper explores two issues: (1) indigenous strategies for preventing sea erosion and (2) the effects the modern coastal flood defence structures constructed along the southeastern coast of Ghana are having on the people. This study provides new insights into the understanding of indigenous methods that were used to address coastal flooding in the eastern section of Ghana and the effects the modern coastal defence structures are having on the people. Through multiphase sampling, a sample of 282 residents living in 17 communities affected by sea erosion in the Keta, Anloga, and Ada East District Assemblies where coastal defence structures were constructed were selected. Questionnaires were administered to these 282 respondents. Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were also held in three communities, namely Keta, Atorkor and Totepe where coastal defence structures were constructed. The planning officers of the 3 district assemblies, the chief fishermen in the 3 communities where the FGDs were held, leaders of salt winners and 3 elders in each community were the key informants. Using descriptive statistics, the study revealed that, indigenous strategies like filling the beach with sand, building away from the seashore, and raising the foundations of buildings were used to protect the houses and communities from sea erosion but these strategies are no longer working thereby forcing the government to construct ‘modern’ coastal flood defence wallson the coast. The ‘modern’ coastal defence structures are in some places protecting the people and the land since they no longer experience sea erosion on a large scale. However, in places where armour rocks are used to protect the land, people now see them as preventing them from enjoying the natural beach as they used to and as a hindrance to their livelihoods of fishing. It is recommended that, as far as possible, soft engineering strategies like beach nourishment or sand dunes which are in line with the indigenous methods be used since they can lead to easy adaptation for sustainability.